Let Me Overthink About It

In the twentieth and final episode of my third season, I am joined by my pal Julie Crouse to overthink about change.

We dive into:
• "What if we never take the chance to make a change."
• The importance of reflecting on the right things when making changes or approaching change
• Getting comfortable being uncomfortable

Julie is a fierce feminist, full stop. A mom, wife, and sister, Julie loves family and has been privileged to have a great one!  Having a supportive family has led to:  spending the first 15 years of her professional life working at with NGO’s with marginalized groups, particularly people living with substance use disorders and mental illnesses.  She was also heavily involved in the community with women’s organizations and continues to be engaged in the fight for equity.  Julie holds a Master of Education from StFx and teaches at the NSCC in Truro.  In her “spare” time, she plants vegetables with her daughter and curses the deer.

As always, theme song produced, recorded, mixed, by John Mullane for LMOAI. Written by John Mullane.

In the nineteenth episode of my third season, I am joined by my pal Hema Chopra to overthink about purpose.

We dive into:
• "Life purpose" vs many purposes as you ebb and flow through life
• Shifting from "having to" to "getting to"
• Our love/ hate relationship with "everything happens for a reason"

Hema Chopra works as a senior diversity programming specialist with the provincial government and is a fitness instructor at the RECC, owns a mixed format fitness business and is an independent senior rep with ZYIA, an activewear & athleisurewear company. She draws great joy from connecting, helping and serving her family, friends and community through her various volunteer and work gigs.

Hema supports the learning and movement of folks who share in similar life experiences and challenges that she has faced. She believes deeply in equity and inclusion and was recently recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for her work in this area.

As always, theme song produced, recorded, mixed, by John Mullane for LMOAI. Written by John Mullane.

In the eighteenth episode of my third season, I am joined by Nancy Regan to overthink about showing off.
 
We dive into:
• "Focus(ing) on the fun instead of the the fear"
• Shifting your focus to what you are contributing instead of how the world is seeing you
• The freedom that comes from showing up as your authentic self

Nancy Regan is a professional communicator whose dynamic career includes tv and podcast hosting, emceeing, and presentation coaching. She has a passion for storytelling which she brings to every interaction and conversation – whether she's assisting a business leader in sharing their vision, or helping an individual preserve their life story for future generations.

Nancy built her reputation as the highly rated host of CTV Atlantic's Live at Five for fifteen years. She also served as the national host of CTV's Good Morning Canada and That News Show on TVtropolis, and has interviewed some of the most famous people on the planet – including Oprah, Madonna, Russell Crowe, and Harrison Ford. Nancy is also an actor, having appeared on stage at Halifax's Neptune Theatre, and in TV and film productions such as Haven, Trailer Park Boys, and Reversible Errors.

As always, theme song produced, recorded, mixed, by John Mullane for LMOAI. Written by John Mullane.

In the fourteenth episode of my third season, I am joined by Fallon Farinacci to overthink about qualifying.  

We dive into:

• Trauma and survivor guilt
• Owning our stories, our successes, how we show up in spaces
• Self reflection

Fallon Farinacci is Red River Métis and a child survivor, advocate and speaker for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+. Fallon testified in the National Inquiry for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, sharing her story of loss and trauma. Later Fallon joined The National Family Advisory Circle, where she worked closely with other MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+ family members and the Commissioners for the National Inquiry. Fallon continues to share her family’s story in hopes of bringing change & awareness across Turtle Island.   

To find more information about Fallon's Go Fund Me page – In memory of her parents and her older brother to raise awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people while Celebrating the Resilience of Indigenous Peoples, please visit www.gofundme.com/f/Celebrate-Indigenous-Resilience. 100% of the funds raised from this fundraiser will go towards supporting Indigenous women.

As always, theme song produced, recorded, mixed, by John Mullane for LMOAI. Written by John Mullane.

In my tenth episode of season three, it's all me. Overthinking about having fun.

I dive into:
• Making friends as you get older.
• Allowing time for fun.
• Creating the community you want to live in.

Theme song produced, recorded, mixed, by John Mullane for LMOAI. Written by John Mullane.

In the eighth episode of my third season, I am joined by Michelle Hurlburt, Rebekah Streeter Rad, and Heather Deveaux to overthink about coming together.

This episode was recorded in front of a *Live Audience* at the Swell Atlantic Conference in Sydney, NS.

We dive into:

• The power of gathering together to share our stories
• The nuggets we all took away from the conference
• The comfort of knowing "I'm not the only one, who ..."

Michelle Hurlburt is the CEO Founder, Educator, and Certified Master Coach Practitioner at 3DLife Inc. – an education and coaching company focused on transforming professional and personal leadership. Through training and coaching services and programs, she works with entrepreneurs and organizational leaders toward being more valued, effective, and inspired at work and in life. With 25 years of experience in education and in business, Michelle’s 3DLifeTM vision and mission is to optimize leadership presence and performance to meaningfully impact the people and the world around them, positively transform workplace cultures, and successfully grow their businesses and organizations – without sacrificing professional or personal fulfillment. Her interests, experience, and certifications include emotional intelligence and social and emotional learning skills, mental health and well-being, self-leadership and leadership development, business, education, mindfulness, and transformational coaching.

Rebekah Streeter Rad is a creative professional with extensive project experience from concept to development. A versatile dance educator with more than 10 years of experience planning, developing and implementing festivals, competitions and choreography she has also worked as a Wardrobe Stylist with background in costume construction and design. Rebekah is a highly motivated, personable individual who thrives under pressure and is passionate about creating performance and educational opportunities for youth in the arts as well as advocating for making stress management techniques available in our everyday life. In recent years Rebekah has expanded her knowledge in the customer service industry by managing and organic spa and eventually owning and operating a 5 star B&B, boutique style hotel that focused on customer service and elevating the guest experience, by providing unique spaces, a feeling of community and a focus on health and wellness. She has also set up and overseen the design and completion of multiple short term rental units and a restaurant. Her newest venture Voda Retreats brings together the pillars of Self-care, Hygge and Connection with her experience in the health and wellness industry to create a new model for rest and relaxation in the travel industry. Voda combines luxury travel amenities , kits and experiences with health and wellness education to help its customers cultivate self-care habits while on vacation that will easily transition to day to day life.

Heather Deveaux is an adult educator, course creator, instructional designer, serial entrepreneur, lover of travel, fast cars and anything to do with tacos. Heather brings years of business and education experience to the stage to talk shop, set goals and get things done. She has worked with organizations and business owners in 8 countries, across 4 continents, and her courses and programs have reached thousands of students around the world. Nominated for the Global Impact Business Owner of the Year 2022, and the RBC Woman of Influence Award 2021 and 2022, Heather has written five books, hosted four podcasts, and has run countless businesses and created thousands of hours of course content since 2000.

As always, theme song produced, recorded, mixed, by John Mullane for LMOAI. Written by John Mullane.

In the sixth episode of my third season, I am joined by my pal Ellen Marshall to overthink about finding your voice.

We dive into:

• Showing up as your authentic self.
• Using your voice to inspire others.
• Mirroring our mothers' strength.

Ellen Marshall is the Event Manager/Public Relations Officer for the Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association and has over 20 years’ experience in event planning and management. She has been the lead contact/manager on all events that she has handled. Ellen has coordinated events like the Dutch Mason Blues Festival, NS Mi’kmaw Summer Games, First Nations Health Conference, Atlantic First Nations Environmental Network Conference (four conferences under the same name), Atlantic Aboriginal Contaminants Conference, to name a few. Ellen’s expertise in coordinating, planning, organizing events and logistics is unparalleled.

Ellen is a member of the Millbrook First Nation and lives in Truro. She is the chair of the Colchester Adult Learning Association board of directors and is also a board member of the Rath Eastlink Community Centre. She volunteers in her community for many events and has a small catering business and performs free online cooking classes. Ellen has one son, Charlie and a rescue dog, Pearl.

As always, theme song produced, recorded, mixed, by John Mullane for LMOAI. Written by John Mullane.

In the fifth episode of my third season, I am joined by Jackie Torrens and Jessica Brown to overthink about collaboration.

We dive into:
• Collaboration and mutual respect.
• You can't be good at all of the things.
• Creating the work (and the community) you want to see.

Jackie Torrens is a Halifax-based actor, writer and film director. She and producer Jessica Brown have, under their company Peep Media, completed four documentary films for CBC, the Documentary Channel and Bravo which include Edge of East, My Week on Welfare, Small Town Show Biz and Bernie Langille Wants to Know Who Killed Bernie Langille, which premiered this spring at Hot Docs. Jackie has also done two documentary films for Telltale Productions, Free Reins and the feature length Radical Age. Torrens’ radio documentaries include The Poet Laureate of Youth Now, which received an Atlantic Journalism Award and Camp Mini Ha Ha, which received a CBC Award of Excellence.

Jessica Brown has been working in the film and television industry since 2003. In 2012 she incorporated Peep Media Inc. with award winning Writer/Director Jackie Torrens. Since 2012, they have completed four television documentaries which include: Small Town Show Biz: 2 Dreams from a Harbourtown (CBC, Documentary Channel), Edge of East (CBC, Documentary Channel; Screen Nova Scotia Award nominee for Best Documentary), My Week on Welfare (CBC, Documentary Channel, Screen Nova Scotia Award nominee Best Documentary) and Bernie Langille Wants to Know... Who Killed Bernie Langille (BravoFACTUAL). Torrens and Brown are currently producing the feature length documentary version of Bernie Langille Wants to Know What Happened to Bernie Langille, for CBC’s documentary Channel. Brown also produces in the scripted world, and works as Head Researcher/Field Producer for CBC’s This Hour Has 22 Minutes; she produced the low budget feature film Noon Gun; the short films My Younger Older Sister and The Toll, the short film/digital media project Hidden Window; as well as line producing the feature film Bunker 6, and producing the television series for Shaw Media TV with TV’s Jonathan Torrens (Gemini Award nominee- Best Host). In 2008 she produced her first feature length documentary film Chasing Wild Horses (BRAVO, CBC, OASIS HD), which has screened around the world, and has won awards at the New York International Independent Film Festival- Best International Documentary), and Worldfest Houston (Platinum Remy Award).

As always, theme song produced, recorded, mixed, by John Mullane for LMOAI. Written by John Mullane.

In the fourth episode of my third season, I am joined by my pal Darcy MacCallum to overthink about tarot.

We dive into:

• What it means to trust in the universe.
• The power of letting go.
• On the spot tarot card reading.

Darcy MacCallum was born and raised in Nova Scotia and has made a career working in the not for profit sector over the past ten years.  Darcy is also a self taught tarot reader and loves sharing what he has learned about tarot with anyone who will listen.  Aside from tarot, Darcy is also passionate about photography, gardening and naps.

*This was one of the few episodes with absolutely no edits.*

As always, theme song produced, recorded, mixed, by John Mullane for LMOAI. Written by John Mullane.

In the first episode of my third season, I am joined by Karen Dean to overthink about trusting your gut.

We dive into:
• Toxic family relationships.
​• Showing resilience through tough times. 
• What it takes to show up as your authentic self.
Nothing is off limits;)

Karen is an incredible motivational speaker who brings audiences through her own personal stories of resilience and inspires with an amazing sense of positivity. Recognized by the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards as a Nominee three times, Karen has operated successful businesses in many different industries for over 25 years. She has been a mentor to women in business throughout her career and has been mentored herself by some incredibly accomplished businesswomen.  In 2020, she was honoured with the QueenPin Award by QueenPins Halifax for her commitment to improving her community.

Karen has published two books to date:

• We Are Unbreakable: Raw, Real Stories of Resilience from Women in Nova Scotia in 2020 is a compilation book sharing inspiring stories from 22 women.
• Fierce & Fabulous: A Self-Love Journal which provides readers with a daily practice to reconnect to their inner self and become even more successful.

Karen’s messages spring from a mountain of lived experience, and she is passionate about her mission to help people reboot their resilience and live their best life, personally and professionally, a purpose she lives in her own life every day.

Theme song produced, recorded, mixed, by John Mullane for LMOAI. Written by John Mullane.

In my twentieth episode of season two, I am joined by Serena Lewis to overthink about guilt.

We dive into:
• The close connection between guilt and grief.
• Expectations, should's and being "strong."
• Self compassion through tough times.

Serena Lewis, RSW, MSW, recent recipient of Canadian Distinguished Service Award is a Health & Social Wellness Consultant. With over twenty years experience in the fields of health, long term care, education, corrections and non profit sectors, she loves working with individuals, teams and organizations. Committed to improving literacy and voice to difficult topics, Serena has become a national and local advocate for grief.

Theme song produced, recorded, mixed, by John Mullane for LMOAI. Written by John Mullane.

In my nineteenth episode of season two, it's all me. Overthinking about putting myself 'out there.'

I dive into:
• My mental health story.
• My seven ways to cope with mental illness.
• The importance of connection.

"You can spend your time on stage pleasing the heckler in the back, or you can devote it to the audience that came to hear you perform." – Seth Godin

Theme song produced, recorded, mixed, by John Mullane for LMOAI. Written by John Mullane.

In my eighteenth episode of season two, I am joined by my pal Sacha Brake to overthink about motherhood.

We dive into:
• Societal expectations on women and mothers.
• Balancing motherhood and mental health.
• Motherhood + identity.

Sacha defines herself differently on any given day, but everyday she loves a good cup of tea almost as much as she loves Bruce Springsteen. A self proclaimed drama kid, Sacha has been performing for as long as she can remember, and the older she gets the more she realizes this applies to both onstage and off. Although an avid participant in community theatre, she credits her greatest role to being mom to now 13 year old Brock.

Theme song produced, recorded, mixed, by John Mullane for LMOAI. Written by John Mullane.

In my seventeenth episode of season two, it's all me. Overthinking about forgiveness.

I dive into:
• How a lack of forgiveness can impact your mental and physical health.
• The connection between forgiveness, guilt, ego, and shame.
• How to forgive yourself when you're "the bad guy."

"Forgiveness isn't condoning what happened or making excuses for the person who caused pain, or righting their wrong. This isn't about them, it's about you. It's making a choice to release yourself from the stuff you're holding on to. When you release, you feel so liberated, and so much lighter." – Nina Purewal and Kate Petriw

Theme song produced, recorded, mixed, by John Mullane for LMOAI. Written by John Mullane.

In my sixteenth episode of season two, I am joined by Richie Wilcox to overthink about good grief.

We dive into:
• Grief as love and building connections over shared grief
• Judgement of others' grief
• Theatre as (subtle) activism

Richie Wilcox is a multi-talented director/writer/creator whose work has been seen across Canada and toured internationally. Wilcox has spent the better part of the last decade co-creating, devising, writing and directing new works. He is the writer of Good Grief, New Waterford Boy and is currently working on his script Coal Bowl Queen. Wilcox is the Artistic Director of the live art company HEIST where he helped create and performed in Princess Rules, Princess’ Pride ’n’ Joy and Nature vs. Nation and The Princess Show which is a Nova Scotia Masterworks 2021 Finalist. Wilcox also serves as the Artistic Director of the 37 year old Ship’s Company Theatre which is known for creating and producing original plays with an Atlantic Canadian emphasis.

Theme song produced, recorded, mixed, by John Mullane for LMOAI. Written by John Mullane.

In my fifteenth episode of season two, I am joined by Doug MacLean to overthink about leadership.

We dive into:
• The connection between leadership and authenticity
• What to look for in a true leader – in sports, business or anywhere
• What it means to be a "seagull leader" (and why you should avoid it)

Doug MacLean, originally from Summerside, PEI, started his leadership path as a teacher at Holland College. His coaching career started in the high school and junior (Summerside Western Capitals) hockey ranks before moving on to coaching at the major junior (OHL London Knights), university (UNB), and AHL/ NHL levels. Doug was the assistant coach of the St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, and Detroit Red Wings, and head coach of the Baltimore Skipjacks (AHL), Florida Panthers and Columbus Blue Jackets.

In 1996, he led the underdog Florida Panthers to the Stanley Cup finals and was a finalist for the Jack Adams Award (Coach of the Year). Doug also has experience in hockey management, as the assistant GM for the Red Wings and GM and President of the Columbus Blue Jackets. You may also recognize Doug from his time as a leading NHL analyst on SportsNet.

Doug and his wife, Jill, split their time between Florida and PEI.

We caught Doug at his cottage on PEI, so please excuse the few glitchy audio moments;)

Theme song produced, recorded, mixed, by John Mullane for LMOAI. Written by John Mullane.

In my thirteenth episode of season two, I am joined by Garrett Gloade to overthink about vulnerability.

We dive into:
• The importance of being vulnerable and honest with yourself while mirroring that for others
• Managing trauma by connecting to music and culture
• Gender differences in how we view vulnerability and ego

Garrett Gloade (he/him), Millbrook First Nation, Mi’kma’ki. Garrett currently resides in the indigenous community of Millbrook with his wife Cheyenne, just outside of Truro, Nova Scotia. Garrett has spent the last 12 years revitalizing culture in his community and abroad, through history, art, song and dance.  He believes by opening up, sharing life experiences whether good or bad. Using those experiences and channeling them to help you connect you to who you truly are, will help yourself and others. Connecting to your roots and becoming who you’re meant to be.

Theme song produced, recorded, mixed, by John Mullane for LMOAI. Written by John Mullane.

In my seventh episode of season two, I am joined by my sister, Melissa Murray, to overthink about people pleasing.

We dive into:
• Setting realistic boundaries
• Stepping out of your comfort zone
• Modelling positive people pleasing practices  

Melissa Murray is a sister, daughter, wife, and adoptive mother of two amazing boys, age 10 and 14. She grew up in Truro and considers herself lucky to be surrounded by her network of supportive family and friends. She has worked in Corrections since graduating university in 2002 and feels fulfilled by helping others choose a new path in their lives. Melissa enjoys the little things like playing board games with her family, supper dates with friends, and walks with her sweet silky terriers, Willa and Arnold.  

Theme song produced, recorded, mixed, by John Mullane for LMOAI. Written by John Mullane.

In my sixth episode of season two, it's all me. Overthinking my thoughts... about self love.

We dive into:
• How the degree to which you love yourself affects every one of your relationships
• The connection between self love and mental health
• Self love as a self fulfilling prophecy

Self love is a topic that I have been overthinking a lot more in the past year. Loving yourself can be especially tough when you are fighting against a mental illness that wants to do the exact opposite. My anxiety and my depression work against me every day in this work of falling in love with myself, but I'm up for the challenge.

(By the way, please ignore the lawn mower in the background for about a minute at the twenty-six minute mark. I'm trying hard not to overthink about it;)

"Self-love means that I have a relationship with myself built on trust and loyalty…I’ll disappoint everyone else before I’ll disappoint myself." – Glennon Doyle

Theme song produced, recorded, mixed, by John Mullane for LMOAI. Written by John Mullane.

In my fourth episode of season two, I am joined by my pal Deb Barnhill to overthink about disability.

We dive into:
• The realities of being disabled
• The importance of a sense of humour amid struggles
• Trying new things even if you're uncomfortable

Deb shares a busy home with her husband and two teenaged daughters. A pharmacist by education, she has worked with Nova Scotia Health since shortly after settling in Truro in 2003. In 2018, she moved into her current position within the provincial Cancer Care Program. Her leisure time is spent in pursuit of any combination of her favourite things: knitting, cooking, podcasts and coffee. She has taught knitting on the international conference circuit, and has designed and knitted pieces for magazines, books, movies and television.

Theme song produced, recorded, mixed, by John Mullane for LMOAI. Written by John Mullane.

In my thirtieth and final episode of season one, I am joined by my pals Michelle McCann and Alicia Simms as we overthink about ALL THE THINGS.

Michelle and Alicia return to the podcast (this time together!) to take a deep dive with me into season one. While on a staycation weekend in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, we get real about the hits, the misses, the favourite episodes, the ways we differ in our overthinking, and everything in between.

"Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you; spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.” — Amy Poehler

Theme song produced, recorded, mixed, by John Mullane for LMOAI. Written by John Mullane.

In my twenty-ninth episode, I am joined by Riley Winsor as we overthink about SOBRIETY.

Riley is 24 years of age and originally from Cape Breton but made the move to Truro during his early teen years. He is now a barista and yoga teacher here in Truro and has settled into this little community quite well. When he’s not slinging coffees or guiding people through vinyasas, he can be found frolicking through the many amazing trails of Victoria Park and actively getting his sh*t together. Whether that be deep diving into self-reflection or working up a sweat however he can that day - there’s never a dull moment and always work to be done.

After many years of over-the-top partying and letting loose, Riley has recently rebranded as a self-improvement junkie and feels as though he has a new lease on life thanks to his past 7 months of sobriety. Riley is an open book when it comes to his journey with sobriety and struggles with addiction over the past 10 years and has learned through his own personal experience that the best way to get through these issues is to talk about them.

Theme song produced, recorded, mixed, by John Mullane for LMOAI. Written by John Mullane.

In my twenty-eighth episode, it's all me once again. No theme. Just me. Overthinking my thoughts...

Topics include, but are not limited to: self-sabotage, self care, nose bleeds... See? You never know what I might end up overthinking about;). 

Welcome to my world...

"Make time daily to nurture your physical, mental and emotional health." – Lailah Gifty Akita

Theme song produced, recorded, mixed, by John Mullane for LMOAI. Written by John Mullane.

In my twenty-sixth episode, I am joined by Brie Works as we overthink about COMMITMENT.

Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Brie Works has spent the last three years chasing after her dreams to move abroad after graduating from Acadia University. In this episode, we talk about commitment - to work, to education, to family and friends, as well as life long dreams. We also talk about what commitment looks like when things don’t go as you expected.

"Never break a promise to yourself." – Rachel Hollis

Theme song produced, recorded, mixed, by John Mullane for LMOAI. Written by John Mullane.

In my twenty-fifth episode, I am joined by Megan Johnson as we overthink about COURAGE.

Megan Johnson is a self-educated artist, who, after a decade of studying and working in science and medicine, decided to drop all her plans and do a complete 180 with her lifestyle. Burnout, anxiety and gut feelings led to a creative journey that brought her around the world and back to learn how to live a life true to her dreams. Having lived and studied in PEI, Australia and Montreal, Megan returned to her hometown of Truro in 2020 and is establishing her brand and her voice as a creative entrepreneur.

"It takes a lot of courage to show your dreams to someone else." – Erma Bombeck

Theme song produced, recorded, mixed, by John Mullane for LMOAI. Written by John Mullane.

In my twenty-second episode, I am joined by my pal Josee Bourgeois as we overthink about dance.

Josee Bourgeois is an Algonquin first nations band member of Pikwakanagan, Ontario, raised in Toronto. For the past decade, Josee has been focused on evolving as a professional dance artist in Canada, fusing her love and knowledge of powwow dance fundamentals with contemporary and hip hop dance styles. This fusion of dance style that Josee has coined into Powwow Step Groove classes delivered on line, has recently captured the national attention of both CBC Indigenous and CTV's television show, The Social.

Josee has collaborated with fellow artists such as DJ's Rise Ashen, Shub, STOiK, and Classic Roots. Josee has also performed multiple times as a solo artist or with dance troupe Kina Nimiwag with the National Arts Centre, Blues Fest Canada (opening for the Backstreet Boys at Bluesfest Ottawa, 2019).

Josee will continue to explore the limits of her imagination and achieve everything she can manifest as a female indigenous dance artist on Turtle Island throughout the rest of her dancer journey.

Photo credit: David Leyes

"Reach for the stars, you're worth it!" – Unknown

Theme song produced, recorded, mixed, by John Mullane for LMOAI. Written by John Mullane.

In my twenty-first episode, I am joined by my pal Laura Peters as we overthink about resilience. 

Laura Peters is a mother of three, a grandmother of one, and an aesthetician with a home-based salon. Laura developed Alopecia Universalis in September of 2018, which changed not only the course of her life, but the way she goes about it. In her spare time, Laura enjoys biking, walking, wine, and spending time with her loved ones.   

“You live most of your life inside of your head. Make sure it's a nice place to be.” – Unknown

Theme song produced, recorded, mixed, by John Mullane for LMOAI. Written by John Mullane.